Summer 2008

God has blessed wonderfully this spring. The Lord was especially good to us during our annual Preaching Conference with His men being used in a mighty way. The congregational singing was uplifting, and all the speakers truly extraordinary. As usual, though, my favorite part was having so many of like mind with whom to fellowship and be encouraged. You would not be disappointed if you set aside April 20-23, 2009. We need to be heartened, and I guarantee you will be if you attend.

I was encouraged by all of our graduates who attended. During a testimony time at the alumni picnic, it was thrilling to hear how God is using them and that they are still in the battle for Him.

The spring bus attendance campaign was truly a success also. Numbers were up; but more important than that, many souls have been saved. What a joy to see couples not only baptized but also sitting in the congregation and joining in on activities.

We see the culmination of much of our work at this time of the year. During the graduation ceremonies we couldn't help but get emotional thinking of more workers joining the 400 we already have actively serving in the fields. Fundamental Independent Baptists are in real need of help, and we are happy to send out "reinforcements."

This was the best school year in a long time. We had to ask several undergraduates not to return last spring, which hurt us financially; however, we had a fine spirit among the students as a result. We want to educate as many as possible for God's service, but we find that we must be more selective all the time in our recruiting.

This year we had our men's and ladies' retreats. Pastor Dave Mallinak of Ogden, Utah, did an exemplary job stirring up the guys, and my wife Sharon and staff ladies challenged the women. We met again at Gintaras Resort outside of New Buffalo, Michigan. It is a beautiful site right on Lake Michigan; but more than that, we saw good decisions for God. If we don't hold the line and keep Bible families, nothing else will matter.